The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) has identified Aedes aegypti as the principal mosquito species responsible for the transmission of dengue fever in Sri Lanka, warning that its unique feeding behaviour significantly increases the risk of disease spread.
Speaking to the media, Entomologist Sakunthala Janaki stated that dengue transmission in Sri Lanka occurs through only two mosquito species — Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Of these, Aedes aegypti has been recognized as the primary vector, with increases in its population often observed before major dengue outbreaks.
According to health experts, one of the key characteristics that makes Aedes aegypti particularly dangerous is its feeding pattern, known as “multiple feeding.”
Unlike most female mosquitoes, which typically obtain a blood meal from a single individual to complete their reproductive cycle, Aedes aegypti frequently feeds on several people within a short period.
This behaviour is especially common in locations where groups of people gather, allowing the mosquito to obtain the blood it requires from multiple hosts.
Health officials note that this feeding pattern significantly enhances the mosquito’s ability to transmit the dengue virus. If infected, a single Aedes aegypti mosquito can potentially spread the virus to several individuals in a relatively short time.
The National Dengue Control Unit has therefore emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and control of Aedes aegypti populations as part of national dengue prevention efforts.
Authorities have also urged the public to support mosquito control programmes by eliminating stagnant water sources, maintaining clean surroundings, and taking preventive measures to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
With dengue cases continuing to rise in several parts of the country, health officials stress that effective vector control remains one of the most important strategies for preventing future outbreaks and protecting public health.
